Peace Lilies

The Peace Lily is a classic houseplant known for its elegant white blooms and lush green foliage.

Its flowers give the plant its common name. The white “petal” you see is actually a spathe, a leaf-like bract that surrounds a central spike of tiny flowers. When fully open, the spathe curves gently around the flower spike, creating the plant’s signature look.

Peace lily flowers are often compared to those of their relative, the anthurium, but with a softer and more understated appearance. Surrounding the blooms are smooth, spoon-shaped leaves on long stems that mirror the shape of the flower.

Why Peace Lilies Are So Popular

Peace lilies are considered one of the easiest large flowering houseplants to grow, particularly in homes with limited sunlight. With the right balance of light, water and warmth, they will reward you with beautiful blooms throughout the year.

They also thrive in typical indoor conditions, making them an excellent plant for beginners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance option.

Peace Lily Care Guide

Light

Peace lilies tolerate low light conditions, which makes them ideal for homes and offices.

A good rule of thumb is to place your plant 6–8 feet away from a window.
They prefer bright, indirect light, but can survive in shadier spaces.
If leaves begin yellowing, streaking or developing brown spots, the plant may be getting too much light. Try moving it to a slightly shadier location.

Interestingly, some peace lilies may produce blooms even when moved into lower light areas.

Water

Peace lilies prefer consistently moist soil, especially during active growth and flowering.

A helpful watering routine:

Water the plant thoroughly.
Allow the soil to dry slightly.
Repeat the process.

Be careful not to let the plant sit in water. Well-draining containers are essential, since overly wet soil can lead to root rot.

Temperature

Peace lilies enjoy warm indoor temperatures, ideally between 65–80°F.

Avoid:

Cold drafts
Sudden temperature changes
Placement near doors, vents or cold windows

These conditions can stress the plant and affect growth.

Fertilizing

For the best blooms, feed your peace lily with an organic houseplant fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season. Regular feeding during this time helps encourage healthy growth and flower production.

Repotting

Peace lilies do not need frequent repotting.

A good sign it’s time to repot is when the plant drinks up water within a few days of watering, meaning the roots have filled the pot. When this happens, move the plant to a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix.

Fun Fact

Peace lilies are more than just pretty, they can also help improve indoor air quality.

A NASA study found that peace lilies can help reduce common indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide, along with substances like acetone and certain alcohols.